Frequently Asked Questions

Are the rates per villa or per person?Rates are for the entire villa and not per person. However, some large villas offer lower rates for use of fewer bedrooms within the villa.

What is your payment and cancellation policy?A 25% deposit is required to confirm your booking and should be received within 2 weeks of the reservation. The full invoice should be settled 60 days prior to arrival for Winter bookings and 30 days prior to arrival for Summer bookings. Deposits will only be accepted if requested accommodation is available. If bookings are made less than 60 days prior to arrival in Winter and 30 days prior in Summer, full payment must be made at the time of booking by wire transfer or bank certified cheque or bank draft. Written Cancellations received outside of 60 days of arrival in winter and 30 days of arrival in summer will incur a penalty of 25% of the rental price. For cancellations inside of the 60 days in winter and 30 days in summer will result in the entire deposit being forfeited. Travel insurance is recommended to cover the cost of cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances.

In the event that we are unable to provide the specific accommodation that has been confirmed, we will offer you alternative accommodation. Should such alternative accommodation not be acceptable, a full refund of all monies paid will be made and we shall be deemed free of all obligations.

What time is check-in and check-out?Standard check-in time is 3pm and check-out time is 12 noon. If no other guests are scheduled to occupy your villa on arrival and departure days, earlier check-in and check-out times can be accommodated.

Do I need a visa to come to Barbados?While visas are not generally required when travelling to Barbados on holiday we suggest that you check with your travel agent when planning a trip to Barbados. American, UK and Canadian passport holders do not need visas to enter Barbados for visits up to 6 months. To check if you need a visa before travelling to the island, click here.

What currency does Barbados use? Are US Dollars and International Credit Cards accepted?The currency of Barbados is the Barbados Dollar (BBD). However, US Dollars are widely accepted on the island and most commercial entities accept major credit cards.

When planning your Barbados vacation remember that the Barbados Dollar is converted at the rate of $1.98 BDS to $1.00 US. The Barbados Dollar is fixed to the US Dollar and does not fluctuate. Its rate to other currencies fluctuates daily based on their fluctuations relative to the US Dollar.

Do all your villas include staff?The level of staff varies from villa to villa. Housekeeping service is available in all our villa rentals but the frequency may vary. As a general rule all of our large villas are fully staffed including a cook/chef, housekeeper, butler and laundress.

Generally staff work 8:30am to 1:30pm and 5:30pm to 8:30pm or 8:00/9:00am to 4:00/5:00pm. Each staff member has one day off a week. Staff hours can be somewhat flexible depending on clients' requirements, however, 8 hours per day per staff member is included, and additional to this is charged as overtime and payable locally.

Do you allow children and pets in all your villas?Most of our rentals are family friendly and allow children. Be sure to check with your travel agent or our villa specialists prior to making your reservation. As a rule none of our properties allow pets.

When is High Season and Low Season?High Season, all so referred to as the Winter Season begins December 15th and ends April 14th. Low Season begins April 15th and ends December 14th of the following year. However, High Season rates usually do not include dates over Christmas and New Year's, so be sure to check with your travel agent or one of our villa specialists.

Is it necessary to hire a car?Whilst public transportation is quite reliable and available island wide we do recommend that guests planning an active vacation hire a car whilst on island. Car rentals can easily be arranged by our reservations or concierge staff and can be ready and awaiting upon your arrival. A valid driver's license is mandatory as this is required by the car rental company to get you insured and issue you with a local driving permit.

Is there a minimum length of stay requirement?Generally, a minimum of 7 nights is required in High Season and 5 nights in Low Season. However, some villas do allow for shorter stays. During the Christmas and New Year holiday period, the requirements change to 10 – 14 nights.

Do we have to pay full rent if we book a home with more beds than we need?Large villas typically have a rental rate based on the number of people staying in the villa.

Location –where is the property located?Most of our rentals properties are located on the West Coast of the island, also known as the Platinum Coast. The location ranges from south of Sandy Lane going right up to the North West coast of the island towards Speighstown. This area enjoys beautiful white sandy beaches, excellent dining and shopping, and amenities such as world class golf, tennis and polo.

All our villas are within a 30min – 45 min drive away from the Grantley Adams International airport, depending on which villa you are staying at.

Is it possible to have some supplies in our villa for arrival?Pre-ordered food packages can be arranged which enable staff to provide a meal on arrival. These Standard food packs contain basic necessities for breakfast and a main meal. The cost of Food Pack (1) for two to four people is approximately US$185; the cost of Food Pack (2) for four to eight people is approximately US$250. Should you wish, we would be happy to provide an itemized list of the standard Food Packs for your consideration. Generally the supermarkets in Barbados are well stocked.

ABOUT US:

Altman Real Estate Group is a full service real estate provider specializing in luxury property for sale and holiday villa rentals in Barbados and the Caribbean. For more than 40 years, we have developed a reputation for delivering first-class service to our clients around the globe who seek to invest in Caribbean real estate. Our core services include property for sale, holiday rentals, long-term rentals, property management, property consulting, and commercial property for sale and rent.